Reimagining exclusion zones for enabling SMR deployment in India's nuclear future

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Engineering
• Regulatory Science

Background:

• India plans nuclear expansion using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for diverse applications.
• Current regulations mandate a 1 km exclusion zone, hindering SMR deployment advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for a performance-based, risk-informed regulatory approach for SMR siting in India.
• To propose reforms addressing the limitations of the current prescriptive nuclear zoning framework.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the evolution and limitations of nuclear exclusion zones.
• Critique of India's prescriptive siting regulations.
• Proposal of a risk-informed zoning model for SMRs.

Main Results:

• The current 1 km exclusion zone is unsuitable for SMRs, negating their spatial and economic benefits.
• A performance-based, risk-informed zoning model can reduce land requirements for SMRs.
• Reforms include differentiated zoning, decoupling safety/security, and integrated land use.

Conclusions:

• Shifting to a performance-based, risk-informed approach enables compact, cost-effective SMR siting.
• This approach maintains safety and radiological protection standards while facilitating SMR deployment.
• Reformed zoning is crucial for India's nuclear expansion goals.